The influence of three barrier membranes on modeling and incorporation of autologous onlay bone grafts in rats. An evaluation by transversal microradiography

Objectives

To determine whether covering an autologous bone grafts with three different barrier membranes prevents graft resorption, and to compare these membranes to each other.

Design

In 192 rats a standardised 4.0 mm diameter bone graft was harvested from the right mandibular angle and transplanted to the left. Membranes used to cover the grafts were a new poly(dl-lactide-?-caprolactone) membrane, a collagen and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane. The controls were left uncovered. Graft resorption and incorporation were measured with transversal microradiography (TMR) in the four groups at 2, 4 and 12 weeks. Data were analysed using multiple regression analyses.

Results

Overall, there were no differences in modeling with resorption between the four groups. ePTFE at 12 weeks showed a lower mineralization ratio and graft height of the graft as compared to the other groups. The mean graft incorporation was progressive and nearly identical from 2 to 12 weeks in all groups.

Conclusions

Membranes have an equal effect on bone graft modeling and resorption as found in non-covered controls. Therefore, the indication to use a barrier membrane to prevent bone modeling with resorption and enhance incorporation of autologous onlay bone grafts is disputable.